ALBUM REVIEW ~ SMITH & MYERS ~ 'SMITH & MYERS VOLUME 1'

I'm Music Magazine, Smith & Myers, Brent Smith, Zach Myers, Shinedown, Smith & Myers Volume 1, INXS, Unchained Melody Not Mad Enough

In the new normal of the current COVID-19 pandemic, the ways that musicians keep in touch with their fans changes everyday. With the lack of live shows, not only do the musicians have more time on their hands, but they also have the task of keeping their fanbase strong. The creative juices have been flowing, and on October 9, we were treated to Smith & Myers Volume 1 , the newest collaboration from Shinedown frontman Brent Smith, and guitarist Zach Myers.

Calling themselves Smith & Myers, the album features a return to the basics. The music is torn down, acoustic versions of originals and, just like the 2014 collaboration, popular covers. The refreshing change of pace allows the lyrics to penetrate the mind and soul deeper than usual. The current societal changes going on in the country, make a return to the building blocks of music, a comfortable feeling. A good restart.

Both artists are masters in emotional story-telling, and it comes as no surprise that this collection is packed full of it. One of the first releases, “Not Mad Enough”, could be straight out of the news articles from today. Written in the wake of the protests over the death of George Floyd’s death, the lyrics “Stop telling me to calm down/ You’re not mad enough/ you’re not mad enough. / How many heads are gonna have to hit the ground? / Before you wake up, / Before you wake up?” Powerful. I don’t think it would be as powerful with a full band behind it, because it’s the words that pack the punch here. Just the words.

The cover of “Unchained Melody” really blew me away, for the same reason. The resonating tone of Smith’s voice is just breathtaking. I could feel it in my heart. I absolutely love this song to begin with and I have to say that it is one of the best covers I have heard. The same goes for the cover of INXS’ “Never Tear Us Apart”. I have never heard a cover (could just be me being sheltered!) and being a huge INXS fan, this one is spot on! I love the acoustic take on it!

Overall, I will have to say that the emotional, torn down aspect of this album is what the fanbase needs at the moment, and I can’t wait for Smith & Myers Volume 2 later this month!

I’m Music Magazine Photographer/Writer Michele Hancock